Patricia Lane Smith

Patricia Lane Smith is an attorney with Johnson Smith Trusts & Estates Law Group in Northbrook, Illinois. Her practice focuses on estate planning, trust administration, probate administration, and related real estate matters. She meets with trust and estate clients, drafts and implements estate planning documents, and handles the opening, administration, and closing of trusts and probate estates. Her work helps individuals and families organize their affairs, administer estates, and address legal responsibilities involving trusts, property, and beneficiary interests.

Patricia earned a J.D. from the University of Illinois John Marshall Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review. She previously earned a B.A. from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Her legal education provided a foundation in research, writing, analysis, and regulatory matters. She has continued developing her knowledge through estate planning courses and other legal education, supporting her ability to guide clients through detailed planning and administration matters.

Patricia began her legal career with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in the Enforcement Division of its Midwest Regional Office. She worked on dozens of matters involving fraud in the offer, purchase, or sale of securities. She later served as in-house counsel for a private commodities firm at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where she helped ensure trader compliance with Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations. She later returned to active practice in trusts and estates.

Patricia Lane Smith combines estate planning experience with an earlier background in securities enforcement and regulatory compliance. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Her current work includes estate planning documents, trust administration, probate estates, and electronic court filing compliance. She brings careful attention to legal and administrative details while helping clients manage estate matters, implement planning decisions, and complete trust and probate responsibilities.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Johnson Smith Trusts & Estates Law Group
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• University of Illinois John Marshall Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges